Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed visits Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal A in anticipation of its opening.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, embarked on a tour of the new airport terminal in the capital on Tuesday. The highly anticipated launch of Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Terminal A is scheduled for Wednesday. During his visit, Sheikh Khaled was provided with a comprehensive overview of the facilities at the terminal and how it will contribute to the growth of the aviation industry and tourism.

With the capacity to handle up to 45 million passengers annually, Terminal A will effectively double the airport’s current capacity. Abu Dhabi Media Office reported that Sheikh Khaled praised this significant project as a crucial step forward in the emirate’s economic and sustainable development. He emphasized the importance of continuous investment to further strengthen the tourism and aviation sectors, which play vital roles in the region’s progress.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad, Adviser for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court and chairman of the board of directors of Abu Dhabi Airports, described the new terminal as a “major gateway” to enhance Abu Dhabi’s global position. He stated, “The new terminal is a significant addition to Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure that will double capacity and increase economic growth for the emirate.” The increased passenger capacity will boost Abu Dhabi’s network of international destinations and create new commercial opportunities, aligning with the leadership’s focus on advancing the aviation sector to contribute to the local economy. This terminal will serve as a vital connection point for people, cultures, and businesses from around the world.

The new terminal is three times larger than its predecessor and offers flights to 117 destinations worldwide. Its expanded size and enhanced connectivity will improve flight schedules to and from Abu Dhabi. This momentous occasion comes at a time when the aviation industry is experiencing a remarkable rebound from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which had grounded flights globally.

Saood Al Hosani, the undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, recently expressed his excitement about the upcoming launch of operations at Terminal A, describing it as a monumental milestone in Abu Dhabi’s journey as a global hub for travel and tourism. The terminal is equipped with nine main biometric touchpoints, including self-service baggage drops, immigration e-gates, and boarding gates, to prioritize a seamless passenger experience. The implementation of facial recognition technology will expedite the screening process and reduce waiting times. Additionally, a state-of-the-art baggage handling system has the capacity to process up to 19,200 bags per hour.

Abu Dhabi Airports affirmed its commitment to delivering an unparalleled passenger journey, stating, “Terminal A is poised to deliver a seamless passenger journey to travellers like never before.” As the world eagerly awaits the opening of Terminal A, it is anticipated to redefine the travel experience and solidify Abu Dhabi’s status as a premier global destination.

Updated: October 31, 2023, 8:51 AM

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed inspects Terminal A at Abu Dhabi Airport prior to its inauguration.